book opening sequence — Cultivating Space

How does space affect people?

Within the last 25 years, research on the environment’s impact on human health and well-being has become increasingly relevant. The emerging field of neuroarchitecture reveals that an enriched environment can positively affect both the body and mind. Additionally, enriched environments have been proven to boost brain plasticity - the brain’s ability to form new connections that lead to better memory and comprehension.

The human brain is constantly changing in response to its environment

As we learn or experience new things, our brain forms connections between neurons, giving them a more efficient path to communicate information. Over time, these connections can grow stronger, like a well-traveled dirt road, or they might be pruned if they are no longer necessary. With minimal but conscious effort in the right environment, we can literally rewire our brains!

There are more neurons in your brain
than stars in the Milky Way

Greg Dunn “Action Potential” ⁰²

“What stimulates our neurons to communicate with one another - to fire chemical messages -
and to do so with enough energy that they wire together into a synaptic connection, is based on the intensity of the sensory stimuli.”

- Susan Magsamen + Ivy Ross , Your Brain on Art⁰³

Brain plasticity can be stimulated through salient or pronounced experiences, like a walk through a beautiful garden, listening to your favorite song, or sitting in a rocking chair while reading. Space has the power to strengthen the brain, improving learning and health.

90% of the brain’s growth happens in the first 5 years of a child’s life

It is essential to consider the role space plays on the development of young minds, especially within their learning environments. Cultivating Space provides educators with a set of research-informed strategies to create a classroom space that stimulates young children’s minds to improve their learning, health and happiness.

Greg Dunn “Hippocampus II Print” ⁰⁴